But, alas, increased screen time is a reality for many. However, staring at a screen for hours on end can actually contribute to eye strain over time if you’re not careful. So what can you do? Luckily, board-certified optometrist Bryce Appelbaum, O.D., FCOVD, recently shared an easy hack on a recent episode of the mindbodygreen podcast—here’s what he suggests. When those teeny muscles are hard at work, that’s when they’re most likely to run into straining issues. Of course, limiting screen time can help, but you may also want to consider taking regular vision breaks: “We should be employing the 20-20-20 rule,” Appelbaum says. “Which means taking a break every 20 minutes, looking at something at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.” Let’s break that down: The same goes for your eye muscles. When your eyes engage with screens, the pupil gets smaller, as the muscles are engaged, he says. “That’s the equivalent to squeezing a fist.” This is why it’s essential for those sitting at the computer all day to incorporate vision breaks when possible. You wouldn’t sit all day with tightly clenched fists, would you? If you want to invest in your eye health even more, there are plenty of other exercises and supplements out there to help check that box. From antioxidants to combat oxidative stress and even nutrients that mitigate dry eyes from within, you’re sure to find the right pick: Check out these 10 best eye supplements on the market. RELATED: Want To Enhance Your Vision & Eye Longevity? Try These Top Eye Supplements*
